Today we’re joined by Fran. Fran is a phenomenal musician who plays a variety of instruments and also participates in her school’s marching band. When she’s not playing music, Fran enjoys doodling and is currently writing a novel, which sounds like a fun adventure (a superhero rom-com, how can you not love that). She has also written some poetry and short stories. It’s very clear that Fran is a dedicated and versatile artist, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about
your art.

I just graduated high school and plan to attend university as
a double major in music education and music performance. My primary instrument
is flute, but I also play saxophone and a little bit of piano, ukulele, and
clarinet. I really enjoy playing classical music, but a lot of my passion lies
in jazz, and I am a member of my high school marching band and a future member
of my college marching band. I also doodle a little bit, and I am writing a rom
com superhero novel about a meteorite that wishes that she can become human and
the stars grant her wish. It is a wlw romance, but mostly it consists of humor
and superhero action. I also write poetry and short stories.

What inspires you?

My hero is Michael Giacchino and other movie soundtrack
writers like him. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved getting inspiration for my
music from soundtracks. Because of this wonderful music guiding my life, I plan
on inspiring others to pursue music by teaching, and maybe even continue my
talents into the professional field. For my visual art, I mostly get
inspiration from my friends. We all draw together as a hobby so we get inspired
by each other often. For my writing I am inspired by my favorite authors, J.K.
Rowling, Brandon Sanderson, David Leviathan, and Rick Riordan. I love writing
books with positive outlooks and messages about love and peace.

What got you interested
in your field? Have you always wanted to
be an artist?

I have loved music and art ever since I was a child. I started
playing flute in 4th grade and I have been obsessed with band ever since. I
loved watching movies and playing games almost solely for the excellent musical
track. It was only a matter of time until I decided it would be my career. I’ve
drawn and written for just as long. I wrote many short stories when I was
young, and drew in that stereotypical 6th grade anime style that all artists
cringe at later in life. My writing and drawing styles are a little bit better
now, though I look back at my childhood doodles and stories with fondness.

Do you have any kind of
special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that
you’d be willing to reveal?

Not really. My signature is just my name in cursive.

What advice would you
give young aspiring artists?

If you want to be a musician, do it! Don’t let anyone tell you
it’s a “phony career” and that you won’t be able to make a living with it. With
hard work and a little thinking outside of the box, you can make a good career
out of any art form. Follow your dream and don’t let the downers destroy your
passion!

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum
do you identify?

I identify as an Asexual Lesbian. I experience no sexual
attraction, but I am romantically attracted to girls exclusively.

Have you encountered
any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field? If so, how do you handle it?

I’ve had people tell me that you can’t have a romantic
relationship without sex and that I’ll “change my mind”. It used to bother me,
but now I just let the words wash over me. I know that I’ll find someone who
will understand and love that part about me. I can’t help it that their concept
of relationships is so small-minded. I don’t experience that often, though.
Most people in my field are very accepting.

What’s the most common
misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

That I can’t experience a romantic relationship. Many people
lump asexual and aromantic together without realizing that they are both
different. You can be both, or just one or the other. There are also people who
think I’m just innocent. It’s true that I’m a bit innocent in some areas, I
don’t like to cuss, I don’t have a dirty mind, I would rather watch Disney
movies than anything with too much sex or violence, but that has nothing to do
with my orientation. I know how sex works. I just don’t want to have it.

What advice would you
give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their
orientation?

Don’t feel like you have to rush into a label. And your label
can be fluid and change over time. I know that I may change my label in the
future. Just like your favorite color changes over time, so can your label.
Also, I know it’s hard living in a world where sex can be prioritized over a
healthy and understanding relationship. Be who you are. Because “those who mind
don’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind”. Your identity is a beautiful
thing!

Finally, where can people
find out more about your work?

I don’t really have a website or anything. Most of my work is
just in my ensembles or in my community.

Thank you, Fran, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.